I'm thinking about selecting a large breed dog in a few months as my lab just passed away 2 months ago. Well, according to a few sites i visited, the following breeds are considered large. I'm considering an English Setter, English Pointer, Clumber Spaniel, Bernese Mountain Dog, English Sheppard dog, or a Samoyed??? Give me your opinions! Thanks!!!
2007-12-21 11:58:47 · 36 answers · asked by macsdfan8 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
These are very different dogs iwth very different personalities. Without knowing you, your energy levels, your requirements for upkeep, or frankly, anything about you, our opinion is worthless.
I also wouldn't consider most Clumber Spaniels "Large". Breed standard is below 20".
What do I prefer? Bernese Mountain Dogs. But, I don't have the lifestyle to entertain a large long haried working dog.
Instead of taking opinons from strangers, why not go to http://www.akc.org and use the links to visit the national breed clubs? Here's the BMDCA as a start: http://www.bmdca.org/
Remember, that just because my aunt had the best English Pointer ever doesn't mean that they are all like that. . .
2007-12-21 12:05:19 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Ok... as someone who specializes in Samoyeds (36 years) and Bernese (6 years) I can tell you they have VASTLY different personalities and needs.
Please spend some time with a number of each of these breeds before you make your decision!
Edit: Alyssa... you're a bit off on both Samoyeds and Bernese. A well-bred Samoyed does not take hours of brushing a week- 10 minutes with a rake once a week unless they're blowing coat... yes, they are prey driven and you have to train them not to kill what they shouldn't.... NO dog should be left out in the heat, but Samoyeds are FAR more heat tolerant than a Bernese... You should probably notify the Samoyed Cub of Central Arizona that their dogs aren't thriving. And Bernese are NOT very active... couple short exercise sessions is fine... although they will work for hours if you ask them to... of course if you've never dealt with it, its REALLY not fun when you're out hiking and they lay down in the middle of the trail and refuse to move farther.
2007-12-21 12:12:19 · answer #2 · answered by animal_artwork 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You haven't explained your criteria for a dog. Does it need to be or do anything other than being large?
Setters and Pointers are active hunting dogs and prefer a moderate amount of exercise.
Clumbers are fairly laid back, but beware the Spaniel blood- most Spaniels have chronic ear infections, skin problems, and a lingering foul odor.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are very active and enjoy long hikes and lots of exercise. They tend to have shorter lifespans than many large breeds.
English Shepherd? That's not a recognized breed.
Samoyeds are prey driven, dominant, and require hours of grooming each week. They only thrive in cool, dry climates and should never be kept outside in the heat.
Do some research on what traits you really want in a dog before you commit to a breed.
2007-12-21 12:33:40 · answer #3 · answered by Dreamer 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It all depends on what you want your dog to do. Learn what the breed was developed for before choosing one. I like the English Pointer and Samoyed for their high energy levels, but you may want a more mellow dog. I am not familiar with the English Sheppard. For all it's worth i would consider the setter, pointer and Samoyed to be medium size dogs, not large.
2007-12-21 12:29:34 · answer #4 · answered by winterrules 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bernese Mountain Dog
2007-12-21 12:01:20 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Yikes! these dogs are SO different. My advice is to go to an AKC show and ask the owners about the dogs that you like (only when they're not getting ready to compete!)
Did you get these breeds from one of those websites that purports to tell you what breed you'd be suited to? You'd be better off doing your research in person. Meet some dogs, keep an open mind, see what appeals.
2007-12-21 12:13:15 · answer #6 · answered by Little Red Hen 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Personally, I think you should get another lab, I have one and he's amazing
But Bernese mountain dogs are VERY hairy, I wouldn't recommend them, they need a LOT of grooming.
Go for the English setter!
2007-12-21 12:02:07 · answer #7 · answered by L B 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well, out of the ones your considering, you should get a Bernese Mountain dog. Their cool!! I don't really know much about them, but I enough to know they've got lots a hair too and their definitely big. But I've a Siberian Husky!& they're definitely awesome.
2007-12-21 12:35:09 · answer #8 · answered by XxRoX$tarxX 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
get one from the pound! other than that I would have to say out of those a german shepard. but really have you ever thought about a doberman pincher? they are very sweet and intelligent dogs. just like any dog you just have to sociallize them. we had one and took him to the dog park almost every day, but ended up giving him away bc we lived in an apartment and it wasnt fair to him. they assured us they had a good home and a big back yard....the next week when we were at the pound looking for a new smaller dog he was there :( I was so mad! He ended up finding a great home though and we just adopted our new little puppy!
2007-12-21 12:19:56 · answer #9 · answered by Kaybay 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well my honest opinion is go and see all breeds. Make up your mind very carefully. Dont just fall for the first cute pup you see. Research and know what you may be getting in to. All breeds have their own traits. Whats right for you may not be right for those answering here. Dont get a Saint. They are a dog that one must work up to. Trust me.......A lot of work and very headstrong.
2007-12-21 12:07:59 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋